Mourne Way

The Mournes are a wonderfully compact range of mountains crowned by Ulster's highest summit, Slieve Donard. From all over County Down the dome of Donard and the serrated tors of Bearnagh and Binnian can be seen crowning a skyline of graceful peaks. The gentler foothills and surrounding farmlands are equally beautiful in their own pastoral way. Not surprisingly the Mournes are a magnet for walkers, and the 26-mile long Mourne Way marries many of the best features of Mourne country walking. Following a mixture of forest trails and mountain paths this route is almost entirely off-road as it travels through the foothills of the Mournes, from Newcastle on the Irish Sea, to Rostrevor on Carlingford Lough.

Accommodation and Useful Facilities

Accommodation and Useful Facilities

A wide range of B&B, guesthouse, hotel and hostel accommodation is available in Newcastle at the start of the section.
There is an adequate range of Bed and Breakfast accommodation in Rostrevor with a campsite in Kilbroney Park right at the end of the section.
There are no significant refreshment stops along the route between Newcastle and Rostrevor but Meelmore Lodge offers hostel accommodation, camping and a coffee shop (Sat and Sun 9a.m - p.m.) approximately 7.5 miles along the route at GR J306307.
The Cnocnafeola Centre/ Mourne Hostel based off the route in Attical also offers prearranged transfers to and from Ott Car Park. Click on an item in the table below for more details and information.

Town, Villages, and Points of Interest

Type

Name

About

Point of Interest

Rostrevor Forest Park / Kilbroney Park

Rostrevor Forest on the edge of Rostrevor village ...

Rostrevor Forest on the edge of Rostrevor village covers an area of 1700 hectares of which 1000 hectares are planted with trees including coniferous species such as Sitka spruce, Douglas fir and pine. The forest is also home to a variety of wildlife including jay, sparrow hawk, wood pigeon, red and grey squirrel, fox and badger. The forest park includes three waymarked trails, which vary in length from 1.25 miles to 4.5 miles and the Cloghmore Stone, a 40 tonne granite boulder deposited here at the end of the last ice age some 10,000 years ago and is a well known landmark in the locality the views from this point are spectacular.

Kilbrony Park is situated in Rostrevor Forest Park and offers a wide range of facilities and services, including tennis courts, childrens play area, playing fields, barbeque, picnic areas, café and a well serviced caravan and camping site.

Covering an area of almost 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne mountains, Tollymore forest park offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at nearby Newcastle, while within its own boundaries are many splendid vistas of woodland and rivers. Tollymore is one of three forests across Northern Ireland piloting the "in-touch" information kiosk. The kiosk contains lots of information on the forest and its surrounding area including useful tourist information and is located at the bottom corner of the upper car park. Outdoor activities in the forest park include walking, caravanning and camping, horse riding, orienteering and many others.

The seaside resort of Newcastle lies on coast of the Irish Sea at the base of Slieve Donard, one of the Mourne Mountains, and is known for its sandy beach and the Royal County Down Golf Club. The town has benefitted from a multi million upgrade which included a new promenade.

Places of interest in Newcastle include the Mourne Mountains, the new promenade walk, Widows Row - a set of listed cottages and the Bloody Bridge which is a beautiful yet wild coastal area, where visitors come to see the old ‘Brandy Pad’, so named after the trade of illegal brandy which was smuggled down this route and also the remains of an ancient church and old bridge which once carried the coast road.

Newcastle boasts a wide variety of ice-cream shops, cafes and restaurants and has accommodation for every budget.

Grid Reference

J377311

Town / Village

Rostrevor

Rostrevor lies at the foot of Slieve Martin on the ...

Rostrevor lies at the foot of Slieve Martin on the coast of Carlingford Lough. The Kilbroney River flows through the village. Places of interest include Kilfeaghan Dolmen situated about three and three quarter miles from Rostrevor. It is a prehistoric dolmen and the site is dated between 2000 and 1000 BC. The capstone is said to be one of the biggest in Ireland and is estimated to weigh between 35 and 40 tons and the old church, supposedly built on an original site established by St Bronagh stands in the graveyard on the Kilbroney road. It became a listed building in 1983.

Grid Reference

J178183

Town / Village

Trassey

Grid Reference

J308306

Accommodation and Facilities

Place

Type

Name

Rating

Annalong

Self Catering

Charmers Well Cottages

4 star

Charmers Well is the perfect location for exploring the hidden marvels of the Mourne Mountains and South Down coast. It is nestled between the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle and the busy fishing town of Kilkeel

This haven of tranquillity ensures a relaxing stress- free break. A traditional cottage with a luxurious finish will help to relax business and holiday travellers alike. Elegantly built to include a unique blend of luxury and comfort; including a solar powered water heating system and the comfort of a wood-burning stove in the living room.

Located at the foot of Slieve Binnan Charmers Well is perfect for those wanting to go hiking in the Mournes. The location is also ideal for a range of activities including horse riding, golfing, fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

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Whilst all the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website generally operate according to which is accepted as current best practice, it is the responsibility of the participant to ensure that they are credible and all appropriate safety standards are adhered to. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland have, nor assume, any responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the information supplied or the service and level of care afforded by any of the clubs, associations and activity operators listed on this website.